Remembering Makeup Artist and Friend of Oprah, Ross Burton

Of Oprah's famed favorites, perhaps one of her most vital was key makeup artist, Ross Burton. Sadly, the Emmy-nominated cosmetics connoisseur passed away today. The Michigan native commenced his career with the goal of becoming an actor (the camera would have adored his chiseled cheekbones), but instead he established himself in another industry of dramatic flashing lights—the biz of makeup artistry.

Burton began his beauty career at the Lancôme fragrance counter in the Macy's Herald Square store and rose rapidly within the company, becoming vice president of artistry programs and artistic director. There, he trained the brand's makeup artists, as well. His initial intro to O came courtesy of Winfrey's best friend,

Gayle King. She discovered Burton and asked him to work with her and the talk show titan. Since 2007, he traveled with Oprah to such far-flung exotic locales as Turkey, Australia, and South Africa, among others.

In addition to Winfrey's winsome visage, Burton's wielded his blush brush onto the celebrated contoured cheeks of such entertainment empresses as Natalie Cole, Kerry Washington, Eva Longoria, and Lauryn Hill. He had also recently headlined Nordstrom's popular Beauty Trend show, where he introduced new products to the grooming-geared masses. His focus was on bringing beauty to women everywhere by teaching them about tools, tips, and tricks in his style forums, magazine contributions, and partnerships with brands such as YSL Beauté and Philosophy.

ELLE.com sends out our thoughts to his friends, family, and those who were able to work with the supreme talent.